If it sounds familiar, it should. Because chances are that's what every self respecting New England Patriots fan from Pittsfield to Provincetown will be doing Sunday night at 8 p.m. That's when the Patriots and Indianapolis Colts will renew one of the best NFL rivalries of all-time. And when I say all-time, that's exactly what I mean.

We've all had the chance to literally witness history since September 30, 2001. That afternoon Tom Brady and Peyton Manning squared off for the first time against each other. Brady was a NFL newbie, and Peyton Manning was already on his way to becoming an NFL superstar. And their star crossed careers have been on a collision course ever since.

As far as the regular season goes they've been each other's equal. I think I read somewhere that each team has won 70 percent of it's games since the 2001 season. The only two NFL teams with such lofty accomplishment. When it comes to the postseason, Tom Brady has had the edge. Some would say a big edge. Because when the games count most, the Patriots and Tom Brady have owned Peyton Manning the Indianapolis Colts.

A quick history lesson. Big games that count the most ... The 2003 AFC title game. The Patriots win 24-14, Peyton Manning throws four interceptions, the Patriots and go to the Super Bowl and beat St. Louis, 32-29, Tom Brady becomes famous.

The following year the Patriots beat the Colts in the AFC Playoffs 20-6 and go on to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl again. The Colts turned the tables in 2006 winning 38-34, and they won the Super Bowl. Peyton Manning started hawking everything from soda pop to razor blades after that win. And the one constant in all of these games was the laser like spotlight on the quarterbacks.

What I find most intriguing about Sunday's game is again the quarterback matchup. Remember it's been a while since these guys have met head-to-head. Tom Brady of course missed all but a few downs of football last season. So this Sunday it's the proverbial back to the future event. This is what we live for as football fans. This is what we will be talking about for the rest of the year and beyond.

Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning, the Patriots vs. the Colts.

AP Photo

Now, what exactly is at stake in this game? In many ways everything. Sunday the Colts are the home team, playing in air conditioned splendor. When you look back at the aforementioned games the Foxboro freeze out has played as big a role as any in determining a winner. Come January where do you want the Patriots playing, the tropics or the tundra? I'll choose the latter.

A classic NFL matchup awaits. The Colts are undefeated (8-0) and are riding a current NFL best 17 regular season winning streak. Honestly it's been a long time since we've had this kind of game to enjoy. Who wins? The Colts are favored, but with a possible home field advantage at stake, the Patriots need the game more than Indianapolis does.